Leisure Kraft Pontunes

General Tips and Info

Fuel Problems

Many boaters keep their fuel tanks full all the time. While this is helpful to prevent condensation, it does however start the trend of storing bad fuel. If you never run your fuel tank down to the "near empty" stage, over a period of 2-3 years you'll accumulate more and more bad fuel at the bottom of your tank. Carbon build-up, water in your gas as well as repair problems to your fuel system are preventable. Adding Sea Foam fuel additive with each filling (with fresh gas) will make a huge difference. If you're nervous about running out of fuel (trying to run your tank down to this stage) then stop by our showroom; we have portable 6-gallon fuel tanks that can give you more confidence.

Battery Storage and Maintenance

Marine batteries have special needs since they usually have only seasonal usage with minimal charging. It's a common myth that "concrete kills a battery". Actually, it's the cold temperature near a concrete structure that does the damage, not the concrete itself. Batteries should be charged before being stored for the winter and then recharged once more before installing again for seasonal use. Batteries should be stored in a warm area like on a workbench. Minimally doing these steps will give you a longer battery life.

If your battery is not a maintenance-free model you should check the fluid level at the top of the battery. It should be just over the top of each cell. If you have to add water to bring it back up to this level then use distilled water only. Chlorinated (tap) water will shorten the life of your battery. Trolling motor batteries should be checked more often.

BE CAREFUL: CHARGING BATTERIES GIVE OFF HYDROGEN. KEEP SPARKS AWAY FROM WHERE YOUR BATTERIES ARE CHARGED AND STORED. THEY SHOULD BE CONSIDERED EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE.

Resetting Your Suzuki Oil Change Reminder Light

If you've never done it before, resetting your 40HP or higher Suzuki outboard motor's oil change reminder light can frustrating. But here are the steps necessary to do it.

Remove the kill switch clip (that's on the key lanyard at your console)

Turn your ignition key to the ON position

Wait until the engine monitor stops beeping

Pull the red "kill swtich" knob three times in succession, you should hear a beep and the light should turn off

Replace the kill switch clip again and that's it.

You should be ready to go. If you've done each of the steps and the oil change reminder light remains lit then see your dealer, there may be something else going on that needs checking.